The Bikini Bootcamp is almost here! The workout was created by me (Graziella) to target typical problem areas for women while getting an intense full- body workout that will get you into bikini shape fast! Check out the promo, and stay tuned for its release shortly.

Get special offers & stay up to date with B.Youneek & Graziella news here:

This season is inspired by what we think is CHANGE! We have a new president, new season, new hope, new goals therefore we need new fashion!

We feel that Jaja Gabour would be proud this season's fashion colors because a lot of the "IT" colors are tropical!The more color the better, there is no rule against it, you can literally go wild and we’ll show you why! We'll also show you that this season is all about change because what we are used to calling our staple pieces aka basics, are not basic at ALL!

1. 1. Get ready for change number one! Mix and match patterns!Don’t be afraid to experiment, just make sure the colors match or are complementary to each other! Most importantly when applying this trend, do what feels comfortable for you! If it's not you, don't do it!

22 2. Neutral colors like black, grey, brown, and white are not your basics at all this season!You will find them either metallic, sheer, shiny, or embellished! Do pair them with matte colors, or matte jewelry for a cool look. Playing around with different textures and fabrics can be fun!

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3. Chunky jewelry! The bigger the better, heck even supersize it! From necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, statement jewelry is hot hot hot this season! Last season, we took our jewelry to dress up an outfit, this season we're CHANGING the idea and adding to outfits that don't really need dressing up! Colorful outfit? Add a huge necklace, or earrings! Experiment, and do what feels right!

4. Oversized Prints! Again supersize it! When doing the casual tee, or casual dress, an oversize print is the way to go! It's a good tweak for those of us who love the mod look! Here are our faves!

5. For all you girly girls out there it's time to stop and smell the roses, because the flowers are OUT! Um, by OUT, we mean IN! Ehem, heehee! Whether its spring or summer, the floral prints will be popping up everywhere! Don't be shy to wear a colorful floral print dress, skirt, shirt, or even pants! We personally recommend keeping the florals in your wardrobe and your jewelry, keep the handbags solid! This season again, its safe to mix up your floral prints, and if you're a little more conservative, pair it up with some solid pieces!

6. Spring is a perfect season to show off your feminine side! When we think feminine, we think delicate, gentle, beautiful. What kind of outfit depicts feminine you ask? An outfit made with FLOWY FABRICS of course! Gone with the wind? Why not, let your outfits feel like your in a meadow, or that you're running on a beach into the arms of your love! OH how romantic! Flowy fabrics are key for evening wear this season, so if you're going on a hot romantic date, or off to a wedding or a sexy cruise, go for the moveable, easy breezy, and comfortable fabrics! You'll look sexy, feminine, and be comfortable! We love that!

7. Thanks to the Advocates of CHANGE, President Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle have started the political movement of hope, and bringing back some good 'ol patriotism that this country needs! Speaking of bringing some good things back, Michelle inspired us all to bring back the ONE SHOULDER look when she wore her sexy little number to the inaugural ball! Thanks to our first lady, we can take out our one shouldered tops and dresses that we have tucked away, and enjoy them again, and maybe buy a few new ones along the way! We picked these 3 looks to show you that even though the concept sounds black and white, there are some very different pieces out there to choose from!

8. Relaxed fit pant! Finally, we can relax and say goodbye to the skinny pant! Well, maybe not, some of us are a little attached to our skinny pants, they'll be around a little longer before we completely say goodbye! For now, we have a new crew of pants rolling in. With this crew are the new HAREM pants! Whether, they're cropped, high waisted, or long, this pant adds some more CHANGE to your wardrobe. Be careful with the harems if you're hippy, this might not be the style for you. If you are that girl, go for a relaxed straighter pant. Here are a few favorite looks...

9. A girl can never have enough shoes! Some questions to ask yourself when shopping for shoes this season are: Is it a detailed shoe? Is it drama? Is it made with fabric? Is it colorful? Is it jeweled and intricate? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you've got yourself a spring/summer 2009 shoe! That's right! Shoes are all about the intricate detail! No more basic pump, no more one colored boot, no more practical and cute! It's crazy time, because our shoes will be dancing, and our feet might be hurting, but these shoes are HOT HOT HOT! Pick up a pair of these sizzling shoes, and your set! Seriously!

10. Last but not least, we would like to leave you with the season's "IT" color which is lemon! If lemon is not for you, don't fret, there's an abundant of "IT" colors to choose from! Remember Jaja Gabour and the chikita banana girl, to pick you juicy colors like peach, raspberry, grapefruit, and lime! Enjoy!

Original Post by The Baratta Sisters at 1/21/2009 1:15 PM
Categories: uncategorized

We've all heard of the countless fad diets that are out there for "quick and easy" weight loss, including miracle pills, supplements and foods. Yo yo and crash-dieting are quite hazardous to health because they usually involve food and supplements with very few nutrients to sustain the body properly. Additionally, losing weight very quickly leaves behind sagging skin and may tax your immune system leaving it vulnerable to even quicker weight gain afterward. Nothing is a "miracle" answer to instant long-lasting weight loss, but the good news is that weight loss does not have to be complicated and tricky. We've got some solid guidelines for you to follow to get you on the road to a healthier, leaner You forever!

Weight loss Guidlines:
1) Choose WHOLE FOODS, that means whole fruits & veggies, whole grains & legumes, fresh meat, fish & dairy the way they came from nature, with nothing added. (This does NOT include processed foods that have been dehydrated, are in syrup or sauce, have preservatives, etc.)

2) READ FOOD LABELS- You should never trust a product just by the label. Don't buy anything that contains ingredients you cannot pronounce, they are almost always chemicals!

3) Do NOT use Diet food products. Go ahead, read the labels...9 times out of 10, these so- called "diet foods" contain more chemicals and preservatives than they do actual food! If you're going to have butter, have a pat of the real thing.

4) Ditch the soda! There is nothing good about soda whatsoever. Diet soda is even worse. This goes back to reading the food labels partIf you have an immense craving for it, try home-brewed iced tea with real unbleached sugar instead.

5) Buy only wildcaught fish (No farm-raised fish) and meat & poultry produced without growth hormones and antibiotics. In many countries the practice of additivies to any meat is illegal or unheard of. Look for packages that specifically state "Not produced with growth hormones and antibiotics." If you don't see that label, it means that it is.

6) The majority of your diet should consist of vegetables and fruits, next are whole grains& legumes, after that fish, dairy/lean meats/poultry.

7) You can have your burgers and cake! Allow room in your diet for a cheat meal every now and then, but only for the taste of it....don't eat cheat meals to sustain your appetite. They are to be thought of astreats, and eaten in moderation.

9) Discover a variety of herbs and spices to add to your foods to make them aromatic and exciting to eat.

10) Stear clear of emotional eating, and only eat when you are hungry, not as a distraction. Replace emotional eating with something else like calling a friend, reading a book, or watching a movie.

11) Drink more pure spring or filtered water. Have one full glass in the morning to start your day and get your digestive system going.
Bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go, and drink that in place of sodas and juices for hydration.

12) Keep salt and sugar intake to a minimum

13) Stay active! Find activities that you enjoy and incorporate them into your lifestyle. This does not mean yolu have to do intense workouts, but get at least 30- 45 minutes of moderate activity 4 or more times a week.

Incorporate these guidelines into a lifestyle change, and you will never do another fad diet again!

*These statements have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

Essential oils are extremely versatile when used in beauty and wellness. In the time of cold weather and colds, essential oils really come in handy. We B.Youneek girls favor the natural approach to beauty and ailments such as the common cold. Here are a number of ways we like to use essential oils.

1) Add eucalyptus to a humidifier or a cloth napkin to gently sniff its invigorating vapors to open up sinuses. *Beware not to use too close to mucus membranes as it is quite potent.

3) Lemon oil can be used in a vaporizer, bath to help lessen nausea and invigorate the senses.

4) Jojoba oil is a great hair conditioner for dry hair, but must be used sparingly or you will end up with greasy hair!

5) We also love Jojoba oil as an inexpensive makeup remover. Just dab a bit on a cotton pad, and wipe away even stubborn water-proof eye makeup.

6) Mix calming Lavender oil with Jojoba oil for a relaxing massage.

7) Lavender oil can also be used for restless sleepers and headaches by applying a bit to one's pillow before going to bed. The calming aroma can aide a restful sleep.

8) Tea Tree oil is one of our favorites: used as an anti-acne treatment, as an antiseptic for cuts, burns, blisters, athlete's foot, and ringworm. *Beware not to use too close to mucus membranes, as it is quite potent.

The possibilities with essential oils are endless and we hope you've enjoyed this little intro!

To get started with aromatherapy- we recommend this book that also comes in a starter- kit with some basic essential oils and a mixing vile.
*These statements are not approved by the FDA and are not intended to cure, treat or prevent any disease or ailment. Please check for allergies before attempting to utilize essential oils.

One of my favorite pastimes is to get spa treatments :-D Who doesn't like to get pampered from head to toe and emerge a fresher, smoother version of yourself? The trouble is, we can't all afford the cost nor the time involved to get regular spa treatments. That's why I got creative and developed my own quickie spa treatment that anyone can do right from their humble home bathroom!

Using your exfoliating gloves, scrub from head to toe, concentrating on the drier areas of your skin such as elbows, knees, ankles, and lower legs.

Once done scrubbing, your face has already absorbed some good moisture and steam from the bath, and you're ready to follow step 2 of the at-home facial. *Apply the mask while still in the tub and relax for 10 more minutes.

The classic "Chanel look" never goes out of style...I think this is because its timeless pieces are so well- crafted with an elegant simplicity that can never be replaced by the "trend of the hour." You can still see the classic themes in the Fall 2008 Chanel fashion show. Lots of black, romantic, well- tailored garments, layering and a never- ending classiness.

Purchasing a Chanel- anything is certainly an investment that not all are able to indulge in; which brings me to my next thought...Inspired by the Lifetime movie Coco Chanel I saw this weekend, I decided to research some affordable alternatives to the famous Chanel look. View Full- Size Image

Take a look at the Chanel website, check out their styles and compare to some more affordable brands like I did. You're bound to find some similar items that won't break the bank account! You shouldn't have to be a millionaire to look fabulously classy and chic. The smart girls know how to shop, and keep some money in their wallet for brunch too!

Facials are an excellent way to keep your skin clear, smooth and healthy, but they are quite expensive. Most salons recommend getting a facial monthly, but that can burn a big hole on your wallet, especially at the price range of at least $60 to $200 a month! A great way to save money, and still have great skin is to extend the results of your professional facial buy doing an "at- home facial" 2x a month or more if you have problematic skin.

Here is your B.Youneek At Home Facial1) Cleanse & Exfoliate: Use a gentle cleanser that does not contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate (a toxic ingredient found in many soaps that will actually dry & aggravate skin). My favorites are any natural milled bar soaps that even last longer than liquid soaps. Try Tea Tree Oil Soap for oily/combo skin, or almond soap for dry/normal. After washing the face, mix some sea salt & jojoba oil in a small bowl & massage into skin in a circular motion. This will rid you of any dead skin & smooth the surface to reveal newer, smoother skin below.

2) Steam & Mask: Take a small washcloth and wet with very warm water & press against skin. Repeat this process with new water about 4- 5 times. Next, apply a face mask appropriate for your skin type, or make your own. I suggest a clay- based mask for oily to combination skin such as Alba Deep Sea Facial Mask. Dry to normal skin, mix & 6 oz. of yogurt, 2 tbls honey & 2 tbls of wheat germ, & 1 tsp olive oil to make your mask. Leave on & relax for 15 minutes, and rinse.

Remember to leave extractions to the pros, unless you have some blemishes that are obviously ready to be "released." Be sure to always extract these with clean hands and tissues, and leave the difficult ones for the pros. Some cystic- pimples can actually get worse by squeezing, sending the clogged matter back into the skin even deeper.

3) Tone & Moisturize: After rinsing off the mask, use a toner appropriate for your skin type. Oily- combination skin should use a toner with a small amount of alcohol in it to remove oil & clean pores deeper since oily skin is more prone to breakouts. Some of my favorites are Clinique #2 or #3 Lotion, orMario Badescu'sSpecial Cucumber Lotion (from the Mario Badescu NYC Salon). Swipe appropriate lotion across the skin to refine & remove excess mask products, and then apply your moisturizer. Those with acne- prone skin, apply tea tree oil (naturally dries acne) to blemishes before applying a light moisturizer.

*Always check ingredient labels for parabans, mineral oil, propelyne glycol and sodium laurel sulfate- all toxic ingredients you want to stay away from.
With this at- home facial routine done twice a month, you should be able to extend the results of your professional facial, and even improve your skin! All it takes is a few extra minutes of your time, time that you deserve to give to yourself

In our opinion, the best beauty secrets and regimens are always the most basic and natural. Making educated decisions is key, as is doing your homework. We did ours, and we'd like to share our insights!

1) Have a "Routine" that you follow every single day. In order to see results in your beauty routine, you need to have consistency. That means, have a simple plan for yourself that you follow daily with your skin care, fitness routine and daily diet. This is not a "temporary program," this will be your way of life. Just because this will become a daily effort, doesn't mean it has to be a strenuous one...just as it takes time to form any habit, good or bad, it will take time to adjust to and eventually it will be something that is a part of your life. Having a "routine" is one of the best basic secrets to long- term beauty.

2) B.Youneek believes that "natural" in every aspect of beauty, is best because it's what nature intended. While today's technology in the beauty & fitness industries is quite impressive, it's not always affordable, healthy or natural. Having a facelift may erase wrinkles for a few years, but do you really want to look like a wax statue with no facial expressions and spend a small fortune to boot? There are natural, inexpensive and non- invasive alternatives to fighting wrinkles, cellulite, fat, acne, etc... There is a natural alternative to every single conventional beauty service out there, you just need to find it. Do your homework! B.Youneek is working on something very exciting for you on natural beauty alternatives, so stay tuned!

3) Take some time to unwind. Yet another very basic, but very important ingredient to staying beautiful all- round. Stress creates wrinkles, contributes to weight gain, moodiness, unwillingness to stick to your "routine" and can create disease in some extreme cases. Take a moment for yourself every day, and make this a part of your routine, even if it's only 15 minutes. C'mon, you can afford that! One of our favorite ways to unwind is to meditate for just a few minutes to be grateful for what we have and visualize our goals. It's a great way to relax and bring positive energy to your day.

We know it's hard in today's world to make time for yourself, but if you don't do it...no one else will. Respect, love and accept yourself first before anyone else. We hope you've enjoyed this article, and we wish you a beautiful, blessed day!

Beauty is timeless. At any age, there is inner and outer beauty, and I look to one of the women who has exemplified this for me all my life...my grandmother. I wanted to find out some of the beauty secrets she has for keeping her skin so youthful, and how she has so much energy at 80- God Bless! I am also curious as to her answers on deeper questions on beauty... so let's see what my wise, 80-years young grandmother has to say!

Q: What do you do to keep your skin & physique so youthful looking at 80?
A: From a very young age, I have kept my skin routine very simple. I made sure that I washed my face of any impurities every night before bed, and applied a cream. Some of the product brands that I have used over the years are Nivea, Ponds, Eterna 27, Lancome, and Dr. Rico Perez. And, I always ate home- cooked, whole foods. I never ate any processed foods, and had large quantities of fruits and vegetables which were abundant on my family farm in Italy. I snacked on homemade bread with tomatoes and fresh olive oil, and all types of nuts. For protein I ate chicken, fish, and legumes mostly. I have always taken a multi- vitamin, and vitamins c and e on a regular basis.
I have kept active by walking, gardening, and dancing anytime I had the chance! Dancing & music has always brought me happiness, and anytime, anywhere there was music I danced!

I ask if this is also why she thinks she has an abundance of energy? She says definitely!

Q: How would you define beauty?
A: Beauty is not only on the outside, but on the inside. Beauty is having confidence, exuding love, and being generous. I am so proud of my family, and the happiness I have within because of their presence in my life, comes out as beauty.

Q: What is one physical characteristic that you like about yourself?
A: At my age, I am happy that I have been able to keep my body in good shape. I feel like I am young, and not really my age.

Q: What is one piece of advice you could give to others to stay beautiful for a lifetime?
A: I would say it is to love others. Being happy with yourself, avoiding envy, and loving yourself and others will keep you beautiful for a lifetime.

As I re-read my grandmother's answers, I can't help but think that there is also another key ingredient to staying beautiful that is evident in all her answers...and that is your state of mind: I can attest to this, that my grandmother never limits herself because of age. She is always ready to embrace life, new developments, and thinks with her heart. She looks upon her life in the past, and the life she has ahead of her with wise eyes and an open heart. May God Bless my Grandmother with many, many more years of a good life and all of you reading this!
Go fourth and Be the Beautiful You that You Are!

Don't forget to check out the last post on the"Top 10++ Super Foods of 2008"

*Note: This is an Oldie, but Goodie that I feel needs to be reposted- imported from our old blog location- enjoy!

I am very excited to report to you that last night, I spoke to renowned fitness expert for over 20 years,Debbie Siebers in an online chat room on www.milliondollarbody.com. Debbie talked about several new developments in health food studdies & fitness, including the Top 10 + Super Foods.

About Eggs:Previously, we were told by health/ fitness experts to eat egg whites, or egg beaters because they were healthier, lower in fat, and high in protein. Now, the recommendation is to have whole eggs instead! Why? Because the red (really yellow part of the egg contains nutrients that benefit the entire body from eyes, to skin, hair, nails, and brain. Plus, it tastes so much better than those airy egg whites! (In my opinion at least) Check out this interesting article on the Incredible, Edible Egg Yolk.

Debbie suggests reading the book "150 Healthiest Foods on Earth" by Jonny Bowden, which, well, the name speaks for itself!

Aloe Vera Juice: We all know aloe for easing sun burn, but most of us don't know that 100% pure aloe vera juice, about 2 ounces daily is said to aid a number of digestive problems, in cell regeneration, with age spots and more!

AND NOW.............FOR THE TOP 10 SUPER FOODS............(drum roll here)...........

There you have it! Get creative, and enjoy these foods! I'll be back soon with some healthy recipes, beauty tips, fitness tips and more! A big thanks to Debbie Siebers who offered her expert advice!

If you'd like to get into healthy, top shape for Summer 2008...ask about B. YOUneek Total Image Consulting: Taking Personal training to a whole new level, customized and tailored to YOU!*The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration).

Create Teresa's Glamorous Eyes Yourself--->Glamorous Eyes:1) Start with a bare eyelids and sweep either a pale gold shadow or slivery white shadow all over lids.2) With an angled eyeshadow brush, add a coffee/ mocha color at the very base and center of eyelids, sweeping up in diagonal line to the outer corners of the eyes.3) Now for the DRAMA Use jet black liquid liner on the top eyelids, creating a little "wing" at the outer corners. Then apply a jet black pencil on the inner lower lids.4) Last thing, add a volumizing mascara first to the corners of lashes, and then all over lashes for a super- glamorous look!

This video podcast demonstrates the makeup application techniques used to transform Miss New Jersey US 07 Teresa Sterlacci into the Beauty Queen that she is!
Stay tuned for following podcasts that will break down each technique individually, and Teresa's personal interview about her makeover... in the meantime, check out our site B.Youneek Total Image Development

Teresa came to B.Youneek after having learned that Graziella (co-founder of B.Youneek) was a previous Miss New Jersey who placed as First Runner- Up to Miss United States, and wanted some coaching to prepare for the national competition. Teresa has lost 25 pounds with the personalized diet and exercise program created just for her by B.Youneek. Both Graziella & Liana worked closely with Teresa to find a new look that she felt comfortable and happy with in makeup, hair, and fashion. Teresa has learned how to create her new made-over look on her own with detailed information. B.Youneek also coached Teresa on stage presence, etiquette, and public speaking to polish her personal presentation and overall presence. Teresa was elated with her makeover, and says that in some ways, "B.Youneek has changed my life for the better."

Welcome to B.Youneek Total Beauty Tips!A Place Where You Can Find Beauty, Make-up, fitness, wellness and fashion tips for free!

We just wanted to take this moment to introduce ourselves:Graziella & Liana Barattaof B.Youneek Total Image Development.
We are passionate image consultants with extensive backgrounds in the performing arts, fashion, modeling, fitness and pageantry. With our combined talents we offer clients a comprehensive list of image- makeover services & packages. Check out our featured client Miss New Jersey US 2007! We are so proud of all of her hard work and accomplishments!We will begin posting beauty tips for every season and reason, so stay tuned!www.Byouneek.com

Monday, March 8, 2010

The B.Youneek Total Beauty Blog will be moving to this new space! You will still be able to access all of our prior posts here. You should see changes occur within the next week, and everything should be restored by March 12, 2010. Please bear with us as we undergo these changes to bring you the best of Total Beauty Tips, thank you! :)